Methods of increasing magnesium bioavailability and absorption

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of increasing magnesium bioavailability and absorption.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/513,276 entitled “METHODS OF INCREASING MAGNESIUM BIOAVAILABILITY ANDABSORPTION” filed Oct. 28, 2021, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/106,543 entitled “METHODS OF INCREASINGMAGNESIUM BIOAVAILABILITY AND ABSORPTION” filed on Oct. 28, 2020, theentirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of increasingmagnesium bioavailability and absorption.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Magnesium is an essential mineral, and is involved in hundreds ofbiochemical reactions in vivo, including protein synthesis, muscle andnerve functioning, bone development, energy production, the maintenanceof normal heart rhythm, and the regulation of glucose and bloodpressure. Poor dietary intake of magnesium has become increasinglycommon. Over time, low magnesium can increase the risk of illnesses,including high blood pressure and heart disease, diabetes mellitus type2, osteoporosis, and migraines.

Magnesium deficiency may by caused by gastrointestinal or kidney issues.Gastrointestinal causes include inadequate dietary intake of magnesium,reduced gastrointestinal absorption or increased gastrointestinal lossdue to rapid gastrointestinal transit time. Kidney causes involveincreased excretion of magnesium.

There is a need in the art for bioavailable magnesium compositions toaid in increasing magnesium levels in a subject.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed herein is a method for increasing magnesium absorption in asubject comprising administering a magnesium source and ascorbate to thesubject. The magnesium source may include a magnesium salt or amagnesium chelate. The ascorbate may be from ascorbic acid or anascorbate salt, such as magnesium ascorbate. The magnesium source andthe ascorbate may be formulated into a single composition. The magnesiumsource and the ascorbic acid may be administered separately, but within15 minutes of each other. The ratio of the ascorbic acid to themagnesium may be between about 1:1 to about 5:1. The magnesium and theascorbate may be administered orally. The method may increase absorptionby at least 55%. The absorption may be via the subject'sgastrointestinal tract. The subject may be a livestock animal, a human,or a non-human primate.

Further provided herein is a method for increasing magnesium absorptionin a subject comprising administering a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising magnesium and ascorbate to the subject. The magnesium may bea magnesium salt or a magnesium chelate. The ascorbate may be fromascorbic acid or from an ascorbate salt, such as magnesium ascorbate.The ratio of the ascorbic acid to the magnesium in the pharmaceuticalcomposition may be about 1:1 to about 5:1. The magnesium and theascorbate may be administered orally. The pharmaceutical composition maybe a solid dosage form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, acapsule, a powder, or a granule; alternatively, the pharmaceuticalcomposition may be a liquid. The method may increase absorption by atleast 55%. The absorption may occur in the subject's gastrointestinaltract. The subject may be a livestock animal, a human, or a non-humanprimate.

Further provided herein is a method for increasing magnesiumbioavailability in a subject comprising administering a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising administering a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising magnesium and ascorbate to the subject. The magnesium may bea magnesium salt or a magnesium chelate. The ascorbate may be fromascorbic acid or an ascorbate salt, such as magnesium ascorbate. Theratio of ascorbic acid to magnesium in the pharmaceutical composition isbetween about 1:1 to about 5:1. The magnesium and the ascorbate may beadministered orally. The pharmaceutical composition may be a soliddosage form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a capsule, apowder, or a granule; alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition maybe a liquid. The method may increase absorption by at least 55%. Theabsorption may be in the subject's gastrointestinal tract. The subjectmay be a livestock animal, a human, or a non-human primate.

Further provided herein is a method for decreasing side effects frommagnesium supplementation in a subject, the method comprisingadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising magnesium andascorbate to the subject. The side effects may include one or more ofstomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The magnesium may be amagnesium salt or a magnesium chelate. The ascorbate may be fromascorbic acid or an ascorbate salt, such as magnesium ascorbate. Theratio of ascorbic acid to magnesium in the pharmaceutical composition isbetween about 1:1 to about 5:1. The magnesium and the ascorbate may beadministered orally. The pharmaceutical composition may be a soliddosage form selected from the group consisting of a tablet, a capsule, apowder, or a granule; alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition maybe a liquid. Absorption of the magnesium may be via the mammal'sgastrointestinal tract. The subject may be a livestock animal, a human,or a non-human primate.

Further provided herein is a method of treating magnesium deficiency ina subject, the method comprising administering a magnesium source andascorbate to the subject. The magnesium may be a magnesium salt or amagnesium chelate. The ascorbate may be from ascorbic acid or anascorbate salt, such as magnesium ascorbate. The ratio of ascorbic acidto magnesium in the pharmaceutical composition is between about 1:1 toabout 5:1. The magnesium and the ascorbate may be administered orally.The pharmaceutical composition may be a solid dosage form selected fromthe group consisting of a tablet, a capsule, a powder, or a granule;alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition may be a liquid. Themethod may increase absorption by at least 55%. The absorption may bevia the subject's gastrointestinal tract. The subject may be a livestockanimal, a human, or a non-human primate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C depict graphs illustrating the six differenttreatment solutions used in Caco-2 in vitro transport assays (FIG. 1A),increasing magnesium absorption with increasing ascorbic acidconcentration in an in vitro Caco-2 transport assay (FIG. 1B), and thereproducibility of the effect in two different experimental iterations(FIG. 1C).

FIG. 2 depicts a graph showing magnesium transport measured in an invitro Caco-2 model for several different treatments.

FIG. 3 depicts a graph illustrating that the increase in magnesiumtransport seen with magnesium ascorbate is greater than equivalentconcentrations of magnesium chloride in a Caco-2 (HTB-37) in vitromodel.

FIG. 4 depicts a graph showing Mg absorption of different Mg treatments.

FIG. 5 depicts a graph illustrating the viability over time of cellsincubated with various solutions. Caco-2 cells were propagated in T-75tissue culture flasks for 14 days. The cells were then incubated witheither 0, 5, 25, or 50 mM ascorbic acid for 240 min. Fluorescent probeswere used to determine viability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure encompasses compositions and methods to increasemagnesium bioavailability and absorption in a subject.

I. Compositions

Compositions of the present disclosure comprise a magnesium source andascorbate. Each of these components are described in more detail below.

(a) Magnesium Source

A composition of the present disclosure comprises a magnesium source.Many magnesium sources are suitable, as long as the source providesbioavailable magnesium to the subject.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium source may be a magnesium salt.Such salts may be inorganic or organic salts, and the present disclosurecontemplates salts with different hydration states. Non-limitingexamples of such salts may include magnesium chloride, Mg sulfate, Mgbromide, Mg carbonate, Mg phosphates, etc. as inorganic salts. Mgcitrate, Mg malate, or dimagnesium malate, Mg threonate, Mg taurate, Mgorotate, and other similar compounds can be targeted as organic salts.

In a particular embodiment, the magnesium salt may be magnesiumascorbate.

In other embodiments, the magnesium source may be a magnesium chelate.Non-limiting examples of such chelates may include magnesium bis-aminoacid chelates, di-amino acid chelates, or tri-amino acid chelates.Specific examples of bis-amino acid chelates include magnesiumbisglycinate and magnesium lysinate glycinate, although one of skill inthe art will appreciate that other Mg chelates will also work.

A di-amino acid suitable for a magnesium di-amino acid chelate of thepresent disclosure includes di-amino acids capable of forming at leasttwo coordinate bonds with a magnesium ion. In preferred embodiments, adi-amino acid suitable for use in the present disclosure includesdi-amino acids capable of forming between 2 and 6 coordinate bonds withrespect to magnesium.

In some embodiments, a di-amino acid suitable for use in the presentdisclosure forms chelate bonds at all Lewis acid locations within thedi-amino acid. In some further embodiments, a di-amino acid suitable foruse in the present disclosure does not form chelate bonds via carbonylgroups. In other embodiments, a di-amino acid suitable for use in thepresent disclosure does form chelate bonds via a carbonyl group.

In one embodiment, the di-amino acid is di-glycine, also called hereinG₂, 2-[(2-Aminoacetyl)amino]acetic acid, or glycylglycine. In othernon-limiting embodiments, the di-amino acid may be di-aspartic acid(D₂), di-glutamic acid (E₂), di-histidine (H₂), di-serine (S₂), ordi-tyrosine (Y₂). In still other non-limiting embodiments, the di-aminoacid may be comprised of two amino acids, each selected form the groupconsisting of glycine (G), aspartic acid (D), glutamic acid (E),histidine (H), serine (S), and tyrosine (Y). For instance, a di-aminoacid may be GD, GE, GH, GS, GY, GG, DG, ED, DE, or other combinations.

A tri-amino acid suitable for a magnesium tri-amino acid chelate of thepresent disclosure includes tri-amino acids capable of forming at leasttwo coordinate bonds with a magnesium ion. In preferred embodiments, atri-amino acid suitable for use in the present disclosure includestri-amino acids capable of forming between 2 and 6 coordinate bonds withrespect to magnesium.

In some embodiments, a tri-amino acid suitable for use in the presentdisclosure forms chelate bonds at all Lewis acid locations within thetri-amino acid. In some further embodiments, a tri-amino acid suitablefor use in the present disclosure does not form chelate bonds viacarbonyl groups. In other embodiments, a tri-amino acid suitable for usein the present disclosure does form chelate bonds via a carbonyl group.

In one embodiment, the tri-amino acid is tri-glycine, also called hereinG₃, 2-[[2-[(2-aminoacetyl)amino]acetyl]amino]acetic acid, orglycylglycylglycine. In other embodiments, the tri-amino acid may betri-aspartic acid (D₃), tri-glutamic acid (E₃), tri-histidine (H₃),tri-serine (S₃), or tri-tyrosine (Y₃). In still other embodiments, thetri-amino acid may be comprised of three amino acids, each selected fromthe group consisting of glycine (G), aspartic acid (D), glutamic acid(E), histidine (H), serine (S), and tyrosine (Y). For instance, atri-amino acid may be GDG, GGD, DGG, EDG, GDE, or other combinations.

In further embodiments, the magnesium source may be a magnesium base,such as Mg oxide or Mg hydroxide.

(b) Ascorbate

A composition of the present disclosure comprises ascorbate. Theascorbate may be derived from any ascorbate source that can beadministered to a subject. In one embodiment, the ascorbate may be fromascorbic acid. In another embodiment, the ascorbate may be from anascorbate salt. In a particular embodiment, the ascorbate may bemagnesium ascorbate. In other particular embodiments, the ascorbate maybe selected from the group consisting of calcium ascorbate, sodiumascorbate, and iron ascorbate.

(c) Ratio

The molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may vary from about 0.75:1 toabout 5:1 or greater than 5:1. At molar ratios greater than 5:1,increased magnesium absorption may still be seen compared to the samemagnesium source without ascorbate, but the increase in absorption isnot as great as the increase seen at lower ratios. In some embodiments,the molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may vary from about 1:1 toabout 4:1. In other embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may vary from about 1:1 to about 2:1. In still otherembodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may be about0.75:1, 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.25:1, 2.5:1, 2.75:1, 3:1,3.25:1, 3.5:1, 3.75:1, 4:1, 4.25:1, 4.5:1, 4.75:1, or 5:1.

(d) Dosages

Generally speaking, a composition of the present invention may compriseat least about 25 mg to about 750 mg magnesium. In some embodiments, acomposition of the present invention may comprise about 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120,125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190,200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260, 265,270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 300, 305, 310, 315, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340,345, 350, 355, 360, 365, 370, 375, 380, 385, 390, 400, 405, 410, 415,420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 480, 485,490, 500, 505, 510, 515, 520, 525, 530, 535, 540, 545, 550, 555, 560,565, 570, 575, 580, 585, 590, 600, 605, 610, 615, 620, 625, 630, 635,640, 645, 650, 655, 660, 665, 670, 675, 680, 685, 690, 700, 705, 710,715, 720, 725, 730, 735, 740, 745, 750, or more than 750 mg magnesium.

In certain embodiments, a composition of the present invention maycomprise about 25 to about 100, about 75 to about 200, about 175 toabout 300, about 275 to about 400, about 375 to about 500, about 475 toabout 600, about 575 to about 700, about 675 to about 750, or about 700to more than 750 mg magnesium.

A composition of the present invention may be administered once daily,or may be administered more than once daily. As would be appreciated inthe art, compositions formulated to be administered more than once dailymay comprise less magnesium than once a day formulations.

Of note, the increased magnesium bioavailability and absorption from acomposition of the present invention may mean that less magnesium isneeded to achieve a particular in vivo magnesium level in a subject.

(e) Formulations

Another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical formulationcomprising a composition detailed above. A pharmaceutical formulationmay be prepared for oral administration, or any other suitable route ofadministration. A pharmaceutical formulation comprises a composition asdescribed above, as an active ingredient, and at least onepharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The term oral, as used herein,includes sub-lingual and gavage.

The pharmaceutical formulation may be formulated into various dosageforms and administered by a number of different means that will delivera therapeutically effective amount of the active ingredient. Suchcompositions can be administered in dosage unit formulations containingconventional nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants,and vehicles as desired. Formulation of drugs is discussed in, forexample, Gennaro, A. R., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, MackPublishing Co., Easton, Pa. (18th ed, 1995), and Liberman, H. A. andLachman, L., Eds., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Dekker Inc., NewYork, N.Y. (1980).

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to oral formulations andoral administration. Oral formulations generally may include an inertdiluent or an edible carrier. Oral formulations may be enclosed ingelatin capsules, compressed into tablets, or otherwise be formulated asa troche, a powder, a granule, a gummy, a soft gel, a soft chew, achewable tablet, or the like. Oral compositions may also be preparedusing a fluid carrier. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents and/oradjuvant materials may be included as part of the composition.

The active components of a solid-type dosage form for oraladministration can be mixed with at least one additive, such as sucrose,lactose, cellulose, mannitol, trehalose, raffinose, maltitol, dextran,starches, agar, alginates, chitins, chitosans, pectins, gum tragacanth,gum arabic, gelatin, collagen, casein, albumin, synthetic orsemisynthetic polymer, or glyceride. These dosage forms can also containother type(s) of additives, e.g., inactive diluting agent, lubricantsuch as magnesium stearate, paraben, preserving agent such as sorbicacid, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, antioxidants such as cysteine,disintegrators, binders, thickeners, buffering agents, pH adjustingagents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents or perfuming agents. Liquiddosage forms for oral administration may comprise the active componentsmixed with at least one aqueous solvent. Liquid oral compositions mayfurther comprise preserving agents, buffering agents, pH adjustingagents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, or the like.

A therapeutically effective dose for any particular subject will dependupon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and theseverity of the disorder; activity of the specific compound employed;the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health,sex and diet of the subject; the time of administration; the route ofadministration; the rate of excretion of the composition employed; theduration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidentalwith the specific compound employed; and like factors well known in themedical arts (see e.g., Koda-Kimble et al. (2004) Applied Therapeutics:The Clinical Use of Drugs, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN0781748453; Winter (2003) Basic Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 4th ed.,Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN 0781741475; Sharqel (2004) AppliedBiopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, McGraw-HilVAppleton & Lange, ISBN0071375503). For example, it is well within the skill of the art tostart doses of the composition at levels lower than those required toachieve the desired therapeutic effect and to gradually increase thedosage until the desired effect is achieved. If desired, the effectivedaily dose may be divided into multiple doses for purposes ofadministration. Consequently, single dose compositions may contain suchamounts or submultiples thereof to make up the daily dose. It will beunderstood, however, that the total daily usage of the compounds andcompositions of the present disclosure will be decided by one ofappropriate skill in the art.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a nutraceuticalformulation comprising a composition detailed above. A nutraceuticalformulation comprises a composition described above, as an activeingredient, and an edible carrier. For instance, in some embodiments,the nutraceutical may be a food or food ingredient that comprises acomposition described above. Suitable edible carriers are known in theart.

(f) Preferred Embodiments

In a preferred embodiment, a composition of the invention comprisesmagnesium ascorbate.

In another preferred embodiment, a composition of the inventioncomprises magnesium bisglycinate and ascorbic acid, in a molar ratio ofascorbic acid to magnesium bisglycinate of 1:1 to 5:1, preferably from2:1 to 4:1.

In another preferred embodiment, a composition of the inventioncomprises magnesium chloride and ascorbic acid, in a molar ratio ofascorbic acid to magnesium chloride of 1:1 to 5:1, preferably from 2:1to 4:1.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a composition of the inventioncomprises magnesium oxide and ascorbic acid, in a molar ratio ofascorbic acid to magnesium oxide of 3:2.

In still another preferred embodiment, a composition of the inventioncomprises magnesium citrate and ascorbic acid, in a molar ratio ofascorbic acid to magnesium citrate of 3:2.

II. Methods

The present disclosure encompasses methods of increasing absorption andbioavailability of magnesium in a subject, methods of treating magnesiumdeficiency in a subject, and methods of decreasing the side effects ofmagnesium administration to a subject. As used herein, absorption refersto uptake of magnesium from the lumen of the GI tract. Bioavailabilityis used herein to refer to the amount of magnesium that enters systemiccirculation after an oral dosage (i.e. the amount absorbed minus theamount lost to the first pass effect).

(a) Increasing Absorption

One embodiment of the present disclosure encompasses a method forincreasing magnesium absorption in a subject. The method comprisesadministering a magnesium source and ascorbate to the subject. Suitablesources of magnesium are described in section I above. For instance,suitable sources of magnesium include magnesium ascorbate, magnesiumbisglycinate, and magnesium chloride. Suitable sources of ascorbate arealso described in section I above and include ascorbic acid or anascorbate salt.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium source and the ascorbate sourcemay be formulated into a single composition. In other embodiments, themagnesium source and the ascorbate source may be formulated separatelyand administered to the subject within about 15 min of each other. Forinstance, the magnesium source and the ascorbate source may beadministered within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,or 15 min of each other. In each of these embodiments, the magnesiumsource and the ascorbate source may be formulated into pharmaceuticalcompositions.

The ratio of ascorbate to magnesium is described in section I above, andtypically is between 0.75:1 to 5:1, and preferably between 1:1 and 4:1,or 2:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 5:1.At molar ratios greater than 5:1, increased magnesium absorption maystill be seen compared to the same magnesium source without ascorbate,but the increase in absorption is not as great as the increase seen atlower ratios. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may vary from about 1:1 to about 4:1. In other embodiments,the molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may vary from about 2:1 toabout 4:1. In still other embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may be about 0.75:1, 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.25:1,2.5:1, 2.75:1, 3:1, 3.25:1, 3.5:1, 3.75:1, 4:1, 4.25:1, 4.5:1, 4.75:1,or 5:1.

A method as described herein may be used to increase absorption ofmagnesium in the GI tract of a subject at least 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240,250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380,390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520,530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660,670, 680, 690, 700 or greater than 700% when compared to the magnesiumsource alone. In some embodiments, absorption of magnesium in the GItract of a subject may increase at least 200%-600%, 200%-400%,300%-500%, or 400%-600% with a method described herein.

Typically, the magnesium source and the ascorbate are administered tothe subject orally, although any other known means of administration maybe used as well. Formulations are described in section I above.

(b) Increasing Bioavailability

The present disclosure also encompasses methods for increasing magnesiumbioavailability in a subject. The method comprises administering amagnesium source and ascorbate to the subject. Suitable sources ofmagnesium are described in section I above. For instance, suitablesources of magnesium include magnesium ascorbate, magnesiumbisglycinate, and magnesium chloride. Suitable sources of ascorbate arealso described in section I above and include ascorbic acid or anascorbate salt.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium source and the ascorbate sourcemay be formulated into a single composition. In other embodiments, themagnesium source and the ascorbate source may be formulated separatelyand administered to the subject within about 15 min of each other. Forinstance, the magnesium source and the ascorbate source may beadministered within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,or 15 min of each other. In each of these embodiments, the magnesiumsource and the ascorbate source may be formulated into pharmaceuticalcompositions.

The ratio of ascorbate to magnesium is described in section I above, andtypically is between 0.75:1 to 5:1, and preferably between 1:1 and 4:1,or 2:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 5:1.At molar ratios greater than 5:1, increased magnesium absorption maystill be seen compared to the same magnesium source without ascorbate,but the increase in absorption is not as great as the increase seen atlower ratios. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may vary from about 1:1 to about 4:1. In other embodiments,the molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may vary from about 2:1 toabout 4:1. In still other embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may be about 0.75:1, 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.25:1,2.5:1, 2.75:1, 3:1, 3.25:1, 3.5:1, 3.75:1, 4:1, 4.25:1, 4.5:1, 4.75:1,or 5:1.

A method as described herein may be used to increase bioavailability ofmagnesium in the GI tract of a subject at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60,70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210,220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, or greater than 300% whencompared to the magnesium source alone.

Typically, the magnesium source and the ascorbate are administered tothe subject orally, although any other known means of administration maybe used as well. Formulations are described in section I above.

(c) Decreasing Side Effects

One embodiment of the present disclosure encompasses a method fordecreasing GI side effects from administering magnesium to a subject.The method comprises administering a magnesium source and ascorbate tothe subject. Because the methods of the present disclosure result inincreased absorption and bioavailability of magnesium, less magnesiumneeds to be administered to the subject to achieve the desired magnesiumlevels in the subject. Suitable sources of magnesium are described insection I above. For instance, suitable sources of magnesium includemagnesium ascorbate, magnesium bisglycinate, and magnesium chloride.Suitable sources of ascorbate are also described in section I above andinclude ascorbic acid or an ascorbate salt.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium source and the ascorbate sourcemay be formulated into a single composition. In other embodiments, themagnesium source and the ascorbate source may be formulated separatelyand administered to the subject within about 15 min of each other. Forinstance, the magnesium source and the ascorbate source may beadministered within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,or 15 min of each other. In each of these embodiments, the magnesiumsource and the ascorbate source may be formulated into pharmaceuticalcompositions.

The ratio of ascorbate to magnesium is described in section I above, andtypically is between 0.75:1 to 5:1, and preferably between 1:1 and 4:1,or 2:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 5:1.At molar ratios greater than 5:1, increased magnesium absorption maystill be seen compared to the same magnesium source without ascorbate,but the increase in absorption is not as great as the increase seen atlower ratios. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may vary from about 1:1 to about 4:1. In other embodiments,the molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may vary from about 2:1 toabout 4:1. In still other embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may be about 0.75:1, 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.25:1,2.5:1, 2.75:1, 3:1, 3.25:1, 3.5:1, 3.75:1, 4:1, 4.25:1, 4.5:1, 4.75:1,or 5:1.

A method as described herein may be used to decrease GI side effectsknown to be associated with magnesium supplementation. For instance, amethod described herein may reduce stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, ordiarrhea.

Typically, the magnesium source and the ascorbate are administered tothe subject orally, although any other known means of administration maybe used as well. Formulations are described in section I above.

(d) Treating Magnesium Deficiency

The present disclosure also encompasses methods of treating magnesiumdeficiency in a subject. The method comprises administering a magnesiumsource and ascorbate to the subject. Suitable sources of magnesium aredescribed in section I above. For instance, suitable sources ofmagnesium include magnesium ascorbate, magnesium bisglycinate, andmagnesium chloride. Suitable sources of ascorbate are also described insection I above and include ascorbic acid or an ascorbate salt.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium source and the ascorbate sourcemay be formulated into a single composition. In other embodiments, themagnesium source and the ascorbate source may be formulated separatelyand administered to the subject within about 15 min of each other. Forinstance, the magnesium source and the ascorbate source may beadministered within about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,or 15 min of each other. In each of these embodiments, the magnesiumsource and the ascorbate source may be formulated into pharmaceuticalcompositions.

The ratio of ascorbate to magnesium is described in section I above, andtypically is between 0.75:1 to 5:1, and preferably between 1:1 and 4:1,or 2:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 5:1.At molar ratios greater than 5:1, increased magnesium absorption maystill be seen compared to the same magnesium source without ascorbate,but the increase in absorption is not as great as the increase seen atlower ratios. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may vary from about 1:1 to about 4:1. In other embodiments,the molar ratio of ascorbate to magnesium may vary from about 2:1 toabout 4:1. In still other embodiments, the molar ratio of ascorbate tomagnesium may be about 0.75:1, 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, 1.75:1, 2:1, 2.25:1,2.5:1, 2.75:1, 3:1, 3.25:1, 3.5:1, 3.75:1, 4:1, 4.25:1, 4.5:1, 4.75:1,or 5:1.

Typically, the magnesium source and the ascorbate are administered tothe subject orally, although any other known means of administration maybe used as well. Formulations are described in section I above.

(e) Effective Dose

As described in section I above, a therapeutically effective dose levelfor any particular subject will depend upon a variety of factorsincluding the specific composition employed; the age, body weight,general health, sex and diet of the subject; the time of administration;the route of administration; the rate of excretion of the compositionemployed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination orcoincidental with the specific composition employed; and like factorswell known in the medical arts (see e.g., Koda-Kimble et al. (2004)Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs, Lippincott WIlliams &Wilkins, ISBN 0781748453; Winter (2003) Basic Clinical Pharmacokinetics,4th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN 0781741475; Sharqel (2004)Applied Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, McGraw-Hill/Appleton &Lange, ISBN 0071375503). For example, it is well within the skill of theart to start doses of the composition at levels lower than thoserequired to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and to graduallyincrease the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. If desired,the effective daily dose may be divided into multiple doses for purposesof administration. Consequently, single dose compositions may containsuch amounts or submultiples thereof to make up the daily dose. It willbe understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compounds andcompositions of the present disclosure will be decided by one ofappropriate skill in the art.

Methods of the present disclosure encompasses administration of acomposition described herein as a single event or over a time course oftreatment. For example, a composition can be administered daily, weekly,bi-weekly, or monthly. For treatment of acute conditions, the timecourse of treatment will usually be at least several days. Certainconditions could extend treatment from several days to several weeks.For example, treatment could extend over one week, two weeks, or threeweeks. For more chronic conditions, treatment could extend from severalweeks to several months or even a year or more.

(t) Suitable Subjects

Methods of the present invention are suitable for any subject capable ofabsorbing magnesium via a gastrointestinal tract. In preferredembodiments, the subject is a vertebrate, such as a mammal or a bird.For instance, suitable subjects may include a rodent, a human, alivestock animal, a companion animal, or a zoological animal. In oneembodiment, a subject may be a rodent, e.g., a mouse, a rat, a guineapig, etc. In another embodiment, a subject may be a livestock animal.Non-limiting examples of suitable livestock animals may includechickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, horses, goats, sheep, llamas and alpacas.In still another embodiment, a subject may be a companion animal.Non-limiting examples of companion animals may include pets such asdogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. In yet another embodiment, a subject maybe a zoological animal. As used herein, a “zoological animal” refers toan animal that may be found in a zoo. Such animals may include non-humanprimates, large cats, wolves, and bears. In certain embodiments, asubject may be human. In particular embodiments, a subject may bedeficient in magnesium.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodimentsof the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the artthat the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow representtechniques discovered by the inventors to function well in the practiceof the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferredmodes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1

Caco-2 cells were used to model in vitro magnesium absorption ofintestinal cells. The increase in magnesium absorption is dependent onthe ratio of ascorbic acid to magnesium. Six different solutions, withmagnesium and varying ratios of ascorbate were tested. Each solutioncomprised 20 mM of magnesium. Ascorbic acid ranged from 0 to 50 mM, asshown in FIG. 1A. Cells were exposed to one of the six solutions for 4hours, then the basal media was analyzed for magnesium, using acolorimetric test. Magnesium transport increased with ascorbic acidconcentration, as shown in FIG. 1B. The highest rate of magnesiumtransport was seen between 20 and 30 mM of ascorbic acid. Of note, thepattern is non-linear.

The experiment has been performed in two iterations, with the same trendapparent in each iteration (see FIG. 1C).

Example 2

Various magnesium solutions were tested to determine their impact onmagnesium transport: magnesium ascorbate, magnesium bisglycinate,magnesium orotate, magnesium threonate, and magnesium malate (trihydrateand hexahydrate; abbreviated MgM3H20 or MgM6H20 respectively in FIG. 2). Magnesium ascorbate resulted in a statistically significant highertransport rate than any other magnesium solution tested. (see FIG. 2 )

Example 3

Experiments were performed to test the impact of various ascorbic acidconcentrations on cell viability. Caco-2 cells were propagated in T-75tissue culture flasks for 14 days. The cells were then incubated witheither 0, 5, 25, or 50 mM ascorbic acid for 240 min. Fluorescent probeswere used to determine viability. Data show no conclusive evidence thatascorbic acid kills the cells. See FIG. 5 .

Example 4

Magnesium transport shows a much greater increase when magnesiumascorbate is used rather than magnesium chloride. Six differenttreatment concentrations were tested: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg Mg(ascorbate or chloride). Increasing concentrations of magnesium chlorideresulted in increased magnesium transport, in a linear fashion.Increasing concentration of magnesium ascorbate, however, resulted in asignificant jump in magnesium transport between the 10 mM treatment andthe 15 mM treatment. In addition, for any given concentration tested,magnesium ascorbate resulted in greater magnesium transport thanmagnesium chloride. (see FIG. 3 ) This result was not due to a change inpH resulting from an increase in ascorbic acid concentration.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for increasing magnesium absorption in asubject, the method comprising administering a magnesium source and anascorbate source to the subject, wherein the molar ratio of theascorbate source to the magnesium source is from about 1:1 to about 2:1,and wherein the absorption of magnesium is increased in the subject ascompared to administration of the magnesium source alone.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the magnesium source is a magnesium salt.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the magnesium source is a magnesium chelate.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the ascorbate source comprisesascorbic acid.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the ascorbate sourcecomprises an ascorbate salt.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein theascorbate source comprises magnesium ascorbate.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the magnesium source and the ascorbate source are formulatedinto a single composition.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein themagnesium source and the ascorbate source are administered separately,but within 15 min of each other.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinabsorption is via the subject's GI tract.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the magnesium source and the ascorbate source are administeredorally.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is selected fromthe group consisting of a livestock animal, a human, or a non-humanprimate.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of theascorbate source to the magnesium source is about 1:1.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the absorption of magnesium is increased by at least55% as compared to administration of the magnesium source alone.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein side effects of magnesium supplementation arereduced as compared to administration of the magnesium source alone. 15.A method of treating magnesium deficiency in a subject, the methodcomprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising amagnesium source and an ascorbate source to the subject, wherein themolar ratio of the ascorbate source to the magnesium source in thepharmaceutical composition is from about 1:1 to about 2:1.
 16. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the absorption is increased at least 55% ascompared to administration of the magnesium source alone.
 17. The methodof claim 13, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administeredorally.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the subject is selected fromthe group consisting of a livestock animal, a human, or a non-humanprimate.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the pharmaceuticalcomposition is a solid dosage form selected from the group consisting ofa tablet, a capsule, a powder, or a granule.
 20. The method of claim 13,wherein the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.